Cashew Cream

This Cashew Cream Recipe is all you'll need to make cream-based soups, dressings, sauces, dips, and more! Plus, it requires just four ingredients and takes just 15 minutes to make.

Course Condiment

Cuisine American

Prep Time 5

Soaking Time 20

Total Time 25

Servings people

Calories 54kcal

Author Melissa Huggins

Equipment

High-Powered Blender

Ingredients

¾ cup raw cashews
¾ cup water
¼ teaspoon sea salt
1-3 teaspoons lemon juice , fresh-squeezed (*optional)

Instructions

If you don't have a high-powered blender (like a Vitamix), you will need to soften the cashews first (if you do have one, you can skip this step). To soften, boil water in a small pot and remove from heat. Add cashews and cover for 20 minutes. Now drain, rinse and discard soaking water.
Place the cashews in a blender along with the ¾ cup of water. Blend on high until very smooth. Use right away or store in the fridge in an airtight container for 3-5 days. It will thicken up a little bit in the fridge - thin with water if needed.

Notes

Yields about 1 ¼ cups

Storing - it will last in the fridge for 5-7 days. Just pour it into an airtight container and place it in the coldest part of your fridge to keep it fresh.

I recommend using whole raw cashews rather than pieces because they're usually the best quality and taste the freshest. Lower quality cashews tend to leave an aftertaste. I don't recommend using roasted cashews because they will leave a strong flavor too.

If you don't have a powerful blender, the cashews might not completely break down, resulting in a gritty texture. You can try soaking the cashews in cool water, overnight in the fridge to get them really soft.

To make the cashew cream thinner add more water and use less water for a thicker consistency.

Flavor Variations:

Sweet - add 1-2 tablespoons of agave nectar or maple syrup and a ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract. Taste delicious with a dash of nutmeg and cinnamon, too.
Savory - add a ¼-1/2 teaspoon of granulated garlic or onion. You can also add spices such as cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, etc.
Cheesy - add 1 teaspoon of nutritional yeast or ½ teaspoon of mellow miso paste.
Extra zing - add a splash of apple cider vinegar or even vegan lactic acid.

Nutrition